“There has come to you the disease of the nations before you, jealousy and hatred. Hatred is the `shaver` (destroyer). I do not say that it shaves hair; rather its shaves (destroys) religious commitment. By the One in Whose Hand is the soul of Muhammad, you will not enter Paradise until you believe, and you will not believe until you love one another. Shall I not tell you of something that will help you to achieve that? Spread (the greeting of) salaam amongst yourselves.`It was narrated from Ya`eesh bin al-Waleed that a freed slave of the family of az-Zubair told him that az-Zubair (رضي الله عنه) told him: The Prophet (ﷺ) said: “There has come to you.” and he narrated it.It was narrated from a freed slave of the family of az-Zubair (رضي الله عنه) that az-Zubair bin al-`Awwam (رضي الله عنه) told him that The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “There has come to you...` and he narrated it,
The Musnad of az-Zubair bin al-'Awwam - Musnad Ahmad 1430, 1431, 1432
This noble hadith transmitted through the chain of az-Zubair bin al-'Awwam (رضي الله عنه) addresses spiritual diseases that afflict communities. The Prophet (ﷺ) identifies jealousy (hasad) and hatred (baghdā') as maladies that plagued previous nations, warning they now threaten the Muslim ummah.
Metaphor of the "Shaver"
The description of hatred as "al-halāq" (the shaver) carries profound meaning. Unlike a physical razor that removes hair, this spiritual shaver erodes religious commitment (ad-dīn). Just as hair is a natural adornment, faith beautifies the soul - hatred systematically destroys this divine ornament.
Classical scholars explain this destruction occurs through multiple avenues: hatred severs bonds of brotherhood, prevents fulfillment of religious obligations toward others, and corrupts intentions - the foundation of all deeds.
The Condition for Paradise
The Prophet's solemn oath "By the One in Whose Hand is the soul of Muhammad" emphasizes the gravity of this teaching. He establishes an essential sequence: entry to Paradise requires true faith (īmān), and complete faith necessitates mutual love among believers.
Scholars clarify this represents the perfection of faith, not its minimum requirement. True belief naturally produces love for fellow Muslims, as faith connects hearts through their shared connection to Allah.
The Prescription: Spreading Salām
The practical solution offered is spreading salām (peace greetings). This simple act contains profound wisdom: it breaks barriers, fosters familiarity, and actively demonstrates good will - directly countering hatred's destructive effects.
Traditional commentaries note that salām means "peace be upon you," but also carries meanings of safety, security, and blessings. When Muslims exchange this greeting, they actively cultivate the environment of love that faith requires.
Transmission Through az-Zubair's Household
The narration through freed slaves of az-Zubair's family demonstrates how Islamic knowledge permeated all levels of society. These narrators, though formerly enslaved, became reliable transmitters of sacred knowledge - embodying the message of brotherhood the hadith teaches.
Multiple chains from az-Zubair's household strengthen the hadith's authenticity, showing how Companions diligently preserved the Prophet's teachings and ensured their transmission to future generations.